Structures on rock islets and shoals in Hoang Sa and Truong Sa have been constructed and expanded illegally, without Viet Nam's permission, Hang said on Friday. Viet Nam resolutely opposed the aforementioned actions, and urged concerned parties to abide by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and maintain peace and stability in the region.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday ahead of his trip to the US, President Xi said Truong Sa "have been China's territory since ancient times". The land reclamation and building would "improve the working and living conditions of the Chinese personnel on the maritime features", Xi said, adding that it "should not be overinterpreted". — VNS